According to the Experimental Induction of Self-Focused Attention via Mirror Gazing study, mirror gazing is not just a habit, but a complex series of safety behaviours. It never ends.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

It's a common habit to stand in front of a mirror, noticing small flaws in your face and trying to fix them. Psychology research shows that this "innocent" habit can turn into a dangerous cycle where the more you look at your face, the more anxious you feel. According to a study published in the journal "Body Image," focusing on something you don't like about your face can lower your appearance satisfaction, sense of attractiveness, and self-esteem.

This cycle can affect normal people, but in some cases, it can lead to a serious mental illness, such as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). In this condition, a person perceives flaws about their body that are not actually present...

How does science view looking at a face in a mirror?

The habit of staring at oneself in the mirror has been extensively researched. According to a study published in the journal Body Image, people were asked to focus on facial features they disliked. As a result, their appearance satisfaction, perceived attractiveness, and self-esteem decreased.

Researchers believe this "selective self-focused attention" helps maintain BDD. The more you look, the more reasons you'll find to be unhappy.

Another study published in the journal Behavior Research and Therapy in 2011 found that both people with BDD and those without BDD experienced increased distress and self-focus after looking in a mirror. This means that prolonged self-stare can be harmful for anyone, whether they have the disorder or not.

So is it just a 'habit' or a disease?

It's normal to occasionally look at your flaws in the mirror, but when this habit continues for hours, prevents you from doing everyday tasks, and causes serious distress, it could be BDD.

According to the International OCD Foundation, BDD is a serious mental disorder in which people become so obsessed with "imagined flaws" in their bodies that they feel unattractive. People with BDD often spend hours looking at themselves in the mirror, avoiding others, or trying to change their appearance (such as getting plastic surgery).

The most common symptom of BDD is a "distorted" perception of one's appearance. One may believe they have a crooked nose, blemishes, or thinning hair, even though no one else notices these "flaws."

People with BDD express themselves with such conviction that no one can convince them. It's similar to anorexia, where the patient feels overweight while the rest of the world sees them as too thin.

According to the Experimental Induction of Self-Focused Attention via Mirror Gazing study, mirror gazing is not just a habit, but a complex set of safety behaviors. Individuals engage in this behavior to reduce anxiety, but the effect is counterproductive. Approximately 90% of BDD patients frequently and excessively look at themselves in the mirror.

How big is the threat in India?

BDD isn't just a problem in Western countries. Several studies conducted in India have revealed alarming statistics:

• In college students: One study found 13.3% of students had symptoms of BDD, while another study found the rate was 6.9%.
• In young adults: A study from Mehsana district found BDD in 9.36% of college-going youth and 15.79% of non-college-going youth.
• Among medical students: The statistic is even more alarming. The prevalence of BDD among urban Indian medical students was found to be as high as 30.7%.
• In adolescents of Jammu: The prevalence of BDD was found to be 29.45%.

These figures show that BDD is becoming a major mental health problem in India.

How are social media and filters promoting it?

Social media and photo-editing apps are contributing significantly to this problem today. This is known as "social media dysmorphia" or "selfie dysmorphia." The "perfect" photos and filtered selfies seen on social media create unhealthy comparisons. This distorts body image and increases the risk of BDD.

An experimental study by The Aesthetic Clinics in India found that people who post retouched selfies are 82% more likely to want cosmetic surgery. Dermatology clinics in India have consistently seen double-digit growth in injectable treatments among clients aged 18-26.

Is it possible to treat it?

BDD is treatable, but it's important to seek the right help. According to guidelines from the British Medical Journal (BMJ), there are two main treatment options:

• Medications: Antidepressant medications such as SSRIs are the first choice.
• Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is specifically designed to treat BDD symptoms and is considered the most effective treatment.

CBT teaches patients how to recognize and change distorted self-perceptions and reduce habits like mirror-checking, repeatedly asking others about their appearance, and comparing themselves.

The mirror is your friend, not your enemy.

Standing in front of the mirror, finding little flaws in your face and trying to fix them is a habit that can slowly erode your self-esteem. Science shows that the more you focus on your "flaws," the more you'll exaggerate them and the less satisfied you'll feel.

The rising incidence of BDD in India and the influence of social media are making it even more serious. If you feel you or someone close to you is falling into this cycle, seeking help from a mental health professional is the wisest course of action. The mirror is your friend; don't let it become your enemy.